CHICAGO – In the clearest sign yet that they are in full rebuilding mode, the Mets yesterday traded Jeromy Burnitz to the Dodgers for three minor leaguers.

Interim general manager Jim Duquette flew out to Chicago from New York last night to meet with Dodgers general manager Dan Evans and sign the papers.

Burnitz was informed yesterday afternoon by Duquette at approximately 5 p.m. EDT while he was eating lunch at a taco place called Rubio’s near his Southern California home.

“Well, I’m sad to leave, but I’m very excited about the opportunity to play on a team that’s in the race,” Burnitz told The Post. “I’m very excited about it.

“I’ve never been in that situation before. I hope I can contribute. The opportunity means more than anything.”

The Mets reportedly will get three minor leaguers in the deal. The Dodgers will likely assume about $2 million of the remaining $5 million Burnitz is owed this season. He will earn a total salary of $11.5 million this season, and is supposed to receive another $500,000 by being dealt. A source said that bonus is also part of the negotiations.

Depending on what the Mets want to do in their outfield, the move frees up outfield prospect Jeff Duncan to stay with the club for the remainder of the year. They could also give Timo Perez one final chance to prove he can hit lefties and become an everyday player.

However, they lose virtually their last remaining power bat, with only Cliff Floyd still in the fold.

For the 34-year-old Burnitz, who reversed a horrendous 2002 season in which he batted .215, this is a dream come true. Burnitz has openly expressed a strong desire to play in Southern California, where his wife and children live. When he was acquired by the Mets, Burnitz did not permanently uproot his family from his offseason home in Poway, Calif., just outside San Diego.

Originally drafted by the Mets in 1990 and then traded to Cleveland for Dave Mlicki, Jerry Dipoto and Paul Byrd in 1994, Burnitz became an All-Star in Milwaukee. He was considered one of the top power hitters in the National League, but only managed 19 homers and 54 RBIs last year.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Burnitz became a totally different player this season due to a simpler approach of seeing the ball and putting his best swing on it. At the break, Burnitz led the Mets with 18 homers and had compiled a .274 average.

Although uprooted from right field to accommodate defensive liability Roger Cedeno, Burnitz didn’t complain and played center field and left for the first time in years.

He became a fan favorite this season and said, “That’s a tribute to [the fans], for them to be knowledgeable enough to recognize that here’s a guy we traded for and didn’t do it and had a bad year. But he showed up and didn’t complain and didn’t make excuses and did his job and this year was a productive player. They’re very knowledgeable. It’s very much appreciated.”

The left-handed slugger will be a boon to the Dodgers, who are one of the most offensively anemic teams in recent memory but are in contention because of great pitching. Burnitz hadn’t been contacted by Los Angeles as of 8 p.m. but is already looking into short-term living arrangements, as Dodger Stadium is about two hours from his home.

Interestingly enough, Burnitz did not dismiss a return to the Mets next season. He is a free agent and said money will not be the main issue.

“I don’t think I can write off any team,” Burnitz said.

He also said it’s not certain the Mets are in rebuilding mode, saying they could likely go out and sign and trade for more veterans this winter.

“You know this team has the resources,” Burnitz said. “To call the Mets rebuilders, I don’t know if I’d go there.”